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buckle 1 of 2

verb

Definition of bucklenext
1
as in to collapse
to fall down or in as a result of physical pressure the flimsy bridge buckled under the weight of the caravan of trucks

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to devote
to occupy (oneself) diligently or with close attention buckled himself down and finished the assignment in record time

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

buckle

2 of 2

noun

as in loop

Related Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of buckle
Verb
My relationship with Aaron buckled, and then started to break. — Anna Heyward, PEOPLE, 7 Sep. 2026 Besides the threat from Iran, Jordan faces other challenges, such as an economy that has buckled under millions of refugees fleeing regional conflicts. — ABC News, 4 Sep. 2026
Noun
For women, a plaid dress featured a keyhole detail set off by a shoe buckle — shoes being an unlikely inspiration for the collection. — ABC News, 24 Sep. 2026 Coover rested an elbow on the bar and crossed one cowboy boot over the other, his fist-size belt buckle shining under the Tiffany lamps and copper ceilings. — Kyle Paoletta, Harpers Magazine, 22 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for buckle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for buckle
  1. collapse
  2. devote
  3. loop
  4. go
  5. apply
  6. fold
  7. give
  8. spiral
Verb
  • The bubbles pry apart the mold’s cell walls and collapse its protective structure from the inside out to kill it.
    — Maria Sabella, The Spruce, 20 Sep. 2026
  • A week after collapsing against Alabama, Kentucky responded in its next Southeastern Conference game.
    — Chantz Martin OutKick, FOXNews.com, 20 Sep. 2026
Definition of collapse
Verb
  • Instead of promoting the new album, George mostly ignored his own catalog, devoting two-thirds of the set to oldies by his heroes, including David Bowie, Chaka Khan, Culture Club, and Elton John.
    — Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 25 Sep. 2026
  • Time magazine devoted its annual 1975 Man of the Year issue to Women of the Year.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of devote
Noun
  • The soliloquy, roughly thirty seconds long, repeats on a loop.
    — Matthew McLean, Artforum, 22 Sep. 2026
  • My favorite ways to enjoy it are with a hot cup of tea or coffee, listening to fall jazz on a loop, and cozying up by the fire with a good book in hand.
    — Melinda Salchert, Southern Living, 20 Sep. 2026
Definition of loop
Verb
  • During the ensuing pursuit, the Lexus kept its lights off, reached speeds up to 65 mph and went airborne multiple times, the report says.
    — arkansasonline.com, arkansasonline.com, 23 Sep. 2026
  • Here's where Lions go next at safety Did someone forward you this newsletter?
    — Leah Olajide, Freep.com, 22 Sep. 2026
Definition of go
Verb
  • Kelly opened by reminding both sides that he's required to apply case precedent.
    — JOCELYN NOVECK, Arkansas Online, 24 Sep. 2026
  • Carter reasoned that the arbitration was sufficient, Moore received a fair hearing, and the arbitrator correctly applied the relevant standard to the facts.
    — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of apply
Noun
  • This year’s edition folds in the Co-Production Market Selects program, pitch sessions through the Tasveer Film Fund, industry panels, fireside conversations and networking events.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 23 Sep. 2026
  • And for ease of use, the three-seat setup at the back folds electronically.
    — Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of fold
Verb
  • That behavior gives engineers a way to control how a material stores and releases electrical energy.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 26 Sep. 2026
  • Most of those steps have been blocked by various courts, in part because the Constitution gives states and Congress the authority to set election rules, but provides no such power to the president.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 26 Sep. 2026
Definition of give
Noun
  • Ascending the museum’s spiral from the ground floor, the unnamed agent’s recollections unfold in forty-two chronological chapters illustrated with photographic, video, and sculptural installations.
    — Emily Witt, New Yorker, 26 Sep. 2026
  • The need to service debt and expand revenue with short- and long-term trips became a balancing act that threatened to become a self-perpetuating spiral.
    — Joshua Ceballos, Miami Herald, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of spiral

Browse Nearby Words

bucking up
buckle
buckled
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Cite this Entry

“Buckle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/buckle. Accessed 28 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on buckle

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about buckle

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